Registration now open for the 500+ mile ride across New York State

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Registration is now open for the 10th anniversary of Empire State Ride (ESR), a fundraising event that benefits Roswell Park. In July 2024, an anticipated 300 individuals from across the country will embark on the adventure of a lifetime on Empire State Ride, a seven-day cycling event with one mission: to end cancer. This one-of-a-kind event, from July 20 through 27, 2024, aims to raise $2 million in 2024 for cutting-edge cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center — America’s first cancer research center and one of the first National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country. Hitting $2 million in 2024 would mark a pivotal moment for the event’s 10th anniversary: $10 million raised for cancer research over 10 years.

“We’re about to hit our 10th year in 2024, and we expect to be over $10 million — that’s the goal for total fundraising since the event’s inception. I can’t tell you how important that is for research at Roswell Park, for patients, for clinical trials, for new medicines and for all the really amazing things that researchers are doing to help our patients,” said Joyce Ohm, PhD, Chair of Cancer Genetics and Genomics at Roswell Park and five-time participant in Empire State Ride.

In July 2024, riders will begin their journey on Staten Island, New York City, travel through some of the most scenic parts of New York State and end at one of the natural wonders of the world: Niagara Falls. Along the way, cyclists can choose to ride the traditional Empire State Ride route or challenge themselves to additional bonus miles or a hillier, alternate route on select days for an added challenge. New this year, riders can also join the ride in Weedsport for an alumni celebration that evening and a two-day ride to the finish line.

Since the first Empire State Ride in 2014, cyclists have collectively raised more than $8.4 million for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. That fundraising makes a direct impact on cancer patients in Western New York and beyond, shaping the future of medicine.

Funds raised through the Empire State Ride enable Roswell Park to launch new research programs and advance some of its most promising initiatives, such as:

  • A first-of-its-kind brain cancer vaccine, SurVaxM, which was first developed at Roswell Park. It was recently granted Fast-Track Designation by the FDA, a designation that provides more extensive and accelerated access to FDA resources for the development of the novel cancer trial, which is now in late-stage trials around the country.
  • Response to Therapy, an innovative blood test that will change the way we treat cancer by giving doctors real-time updates on how a patient is responding to treatment. A phase 1 study, funded in part by donations, is already underway at Roswell Park.

ESR started as a personal challenge completed by event founder Terry Bourgeois in 2014 and has been supported by presenting sponsor, Port X Logistics since 2022.

“At Port X Logistics, we understand the importance of meticulous planning and collaboration, which is why we are constantly in awe of the exceptional team behind Empire State Ride. Their unwavering commitment to making this event a success, year after year, is truly commendable. We’re proud to be the presenting sponsor for this cross-state adventure, especially for the 10th anniversary,” said Brian Kempisty, founder of Port X Logistics.

You can get more information, register and donate to individual riders or the event at EmpireStateRide.com.